New here. Can anyone tell me how long it took their cat to look better following DKA? My cat’s blood markers are improving but she’s not standing or eating, very lethargic and vets are considering PTS. She was admitted Monday evening at 10:30pm. Ketones remain high. Any advice please?
DKA
- Thread starter starwee
- Start date
Hi I'm sorry your cats so sick, it's a bit quiet here today because of the thanksgiving holiday weekend. I'm going to tag some experienced members for you
@Wendy&Neko
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
@Marje and Gracie
@Suzanne & Darcy
Hopefully one of them will be around soon, but in the meantime here's a link to a post from Sienne and Gabby discussing DKA GA - Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) some of it doesn't apply to your specifics but does cover a lot about DKA
@Wendy&Neko
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
@Marje and Gracie
@Suzanne & Darcy
Hopefully one of them will be around soon, but in the meantime here's a link to a post from Sienne and Gabby discussing DKA GA - Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) some of it doesn't apply to your specifics but does cover a lot about DKA
Someone else I should have tagged @Bron and Sheba (GA)
squeem3
Member Since 2009
There some info here: Ketones, Ketoacidosis, and Diabetic Cats: A Primer on Ketones
Do the vets have your cat on IV fluids, appetite stimulants, a feeding tube to get necessary calories and nutrients and even some meds in?
Do the vets have your cat on IV fluids, appetite stimulants, a feeding tube to get necessary calories and nutrients and even some meds in?
Allie & Gen
Member Since 2025
Oof, I am so sorry your kitty's not doing well. Mine was in DKA when he was first diagnosed, and he was hospitalized for three days. It was rough, although milder than what yours is experiencing, it sounds like.
I went to look up the visit notes from back then, just in case it had useful insights, though I will say that my emergency vet doesn't necessarily give the clearest notes. They had him on IV fluids, an anti-emetic (vomiting prevention), pain management meds, and as things continued, insulin. No appetite stimulants because I don't think he needed those, but if yours won't eat then that would certainly be indicated as well. They noted managing his electrolytes carefully.
I wish I had actual advice, but mostly what I have is sympathy for what is an extremely painful experience.
I went to look up the visit notes from back then, just in case it had useful insights, though I will say that my emergency vet doesn't necessarily give the clearest notes. They had him on IV fluids, an anti-emetic (vomiting prevention), pain management meds, and as things continued, insulin. No appetite stimulants because I don't think he needed those, but if yours won't eat then that would certainly be indicated as well. They noted managing his electrolytes carefully.
I wish I had actual advice, but mostly what I have is sympathy for what is an extremely painful experience.
